Sierra Meadows Partnership

Sierra Meadows Partnership - 02/11/1710:58 PM

The Sierra Meadows Partnership, a coalition of more than 20 partner groups, recently released a strategy to restore and protect 30,000 acres of Sierra Nevada meadows in the next 15 years. Led by California Trout, the coalition has been working together since 2014. The Forest Service signed an MOU with California Trout on January 19 to formalize our collaborative approach to meadow restoration work. And this week, representatives from the Forest Service and many groups and stakeholders in the Sierra Meadows Partnership are in Calistoga for Sierra Meadow Summit #3, sharing information and charting a path forward.

This Strategy provides the guidance necessary to achieve an ambitious and effective course of action to increase rates of meadow conservation. By reaching consensus on a path forward, a diverse group of agencies, scientists, and stakeholders can more effectively leverage necessary resources and the strategic changes required to increase the pace, scale and efficacy of meadow restoration and protection in the greater Sierra Nevada Region. We invite all stakeholders to read the Strategy and join the Sierra Partnership in restoring and conserving meadows and their watersheds to provide and to restore a healthier and more resilient landscape within the next 15 years.

Long-term Goal

Expanding on the initial formation of the Sierra Meadow Research and Restoration Partnership, in 2015 the Sierra Meadow Partnership (SMP) was formed. Capitalizing on this effort, the goals are to:

Direct and build out the SMP as the leading meadow research and restoration entity throughout the Sierra Nevada;Affect policy to increase pace and scale of meadow restoration;Advance meadow restoration protocols and strategies to achieve multi-benefit outcomes including enhanced sequestration of greenhouse gases;Establish a self-funding mechanism for meadow conservationvia the implementation of a meadows carbon credit marketmechanism.Recent Accomplishments

Directed development of draft proposed Sierra Meadow Strategy;Organized and convened Calistoga II Sierra Meadow Workshop.What We Will Achieve in 2016-17

Complete and implement Sierra Meadow Strategy focused on restoring 30,000 acres of meadows by 2030;Build Sierra Meadow Partnership, to advance meadow restoration and fishery recovery efforts that also will result in creating greater ecological resilience to a changing climate;Leverage resources to more effectively achieve critical meadow restoration priorities by involving a broad consortium of partners representing agencies, NGOs, and the academic community;Oversee two projects as part of the SMP.